The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will require the publication of case documents concerning the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The White House gave in after months of trying to forestall the joint action involving a scandal that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
The public have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next will be sent to Donald Trump for his approval. Trump signaled on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Though Trump has for months downplayed the outcry over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the measure over the weekend, and announced he would sign the measure if it comes to him.
Reaction
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were watching from a public section, broke into applause after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he feared the measure would disclose identifying details of individuals involved, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
Additional Stories
- Trump receives backlash for referring to a correspondent as ‘piggy’ during a clash aboard Air Force One.
- Judge disallows ‘racially gerrymandered’ maps in the state of Texas that awarded GOP additional districts.
- A significant number of US education agency’s authorities transferred to other branches as part of White House efforts.
- Mass federal immigration sweeps expand to North Carolina capital, with representatives confirming ongoing activities.
